Breckenridge Destinations supports independent journalism. Click for great deals on vacation lodging in Breckenridge.
North Schell fire 15 percent contained
The North Schell Fire perimter map, courtesy U.S. Forest Service.
The North Schell Fire in Nevada. Photo courtesy BLM.
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — One of the biggest new wildfires burning in the West started as a prescribed burn that escaped control during one of the driest seasons on record in the Great Basin.
The North Schell Fire in Nevada has burned across more than 10,000 acres and is estimated at 15 percent containment. It’s burning in the North Schell Range, not far from Ely, in eastern Nevada.
Fuels include white fir, mountain mahogany, piñon-pine, juniper, and sagebrush. The fire is making occasional runs, along with spotting and torching in extremely difficult terrain. More than 200 firefighters are on scene with more resources arriving.
Fire officials said there is extreme potential for the fire to grow, with temperatures in the high 70s and 80s and relative humidity in the single digits.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Controlled burn, Great Basin, Nevada, North Schell Fire, prescribed fire, western wildfires, wildfire
Arapahoe Basin supports independent journalism. Click to visit The Legend online.
Powder's falling at Monarch!! Have you reserved your spot yet?
Innovative energy underwrites coverage of energy stories.
